Manchester City Interested in Robin van Persie - Report

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has expressed an interest in signing Dutch striker Robin van Persie from Arsenal in the upcoming transfer season, according to an ESPN report.

According to another report, in the Daily Mail, City are willing to offer the 28-year-old Dutchman a contract for four years with a £220,000 weekly salary, including other benefits.

The 47-year-old Italian boss, whose team is currently at the top of the Premier League table, feels that van Persie will make a good addition to his already star-filled team.

"We are interested in all good players. This is normal, but not only us. I think all the good teams are interested in van Persie," ESPN quoted Mancini as saying.

However, Mancini, who has bought many players from the Gunners in recent years, including Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy and Kolo Toure, feels that this time the Gunners may not consider his offer.

"I think van Persie at this moment is one of the best strikers in Europe with [Lionel] Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo and with Sergio [Aguero] and Mario [Balotelli]. I think he is a fantastic striker, but I think he will remain with Arsenal," he added.

The prolific van Persie's contract with Arsenal runs out at the end of the 2013 season and he has put all talk of new contracts on hold until the summer. However, Mancini feels Arsenal, who cannot risk losing more big players, will be trying their best to convince van Persie to extend his contract.

"I think Robin van Persie will sign a new contract at Arsenal. Because if Arsenal also lose van Persie, they will have a big problem," ESPN quoted the Italian boss as saying.

The club captain, van Persie has been the reason behind the Gunners' better performances this season and has scored a total of 31 goals, in all competitions, this season.